Michelle Topham 
If you’re struggling to find a Korean romance drama that, not only checks all the right feels, but has you still thinking about the main couple days after you watched that last episode, I have 5 Korean romance dramas released in 2025 that, I think, are some of the best and most romantic out there.
Three are your typical girl loves boy/boy loves girl shows, while the other two are boy loves boy and, boy, are they just as worth watching as the rest.
Here then are five standout Korean romance dramas released in 2025. Each offering something a little different in terms of plot, tone, writing and visuals. And all worth carving out time for.
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)
Why you’ll like it…
- Stars IU and Park Bo‑gum in a sweeping romance that begins in the 1950s on Jeju Island and spans decades, tracking the lives of Ae-sun (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park) from youth into adulthood.
- Written by Im Sang‑choon (known for character-rich dramas like When the Camelia Blooms) and directed by Kim Won‑suk, the production leans into mood, memory and the passage of time.
- The cinematography and setting are standout: from the rustic beauty of Jeju’s landscapes to long-takes that let emotion simmer rather than rush. Critics praise the way a simple gesture or glance carries weight.
- Importantly, it’s not just a romance. It’s also a slice of life, a reflection on change, sacrifice, family, and how two people bear one another over time. Some reviews call it “a drama that stays with you.”
- Its ensemble cast is also one of the best ever assembled for a Korean drama.
- When Life Give You Tangerines won major recognition (e.g., Best Drama at the Baeksang Arts Awards) which speaks to its exceptional quality as well.
What to expect and why watch
If you’re looking for a romance that’s emotional, contemplative and beautifully made, one that treats love as something that evolves, with time, weathering hardship and growth, this is it.
The chemistry between the leads, the care in production design (the concentration on authentic Jeju dialects, the stunning setting, the perfectly-done era shifts) and the honesty of the characters’ journeys make When Life Gives You Tangerines a must-watch.
If you want epic, heart-carrying romance, I can 100 percent guarantee you should go for When Life Gives You Tangerines. You won’t be disappointed.
2. My Dearest Nemesis (2025)
Why you’ll like it…
- Starring Moon Ga‑young and Choi Hyun‑wook, this is a romantic comedy with a workplace twist: two former rivals/online gamers meet again as boss and employee 16 years later.
- The buzz is real: the show broke online engagement records early on (over 62.6 million views for just the first two episodes) which proves so many people fell for the strong chemistry between the two leads, and it’s truly fun love story.
- The writing is brisk, and the tone is lighter than heavier romance melodramas. In other words, if you want to enjoy laughs, banter, romantic tension and an incredibly well done “enemies-to-lovers / bosses & employees” dynamic, this one massively delivers.
What to expect and why watch
If you prefer romance that’s sharper, quicker in pace and fun, rather than slow-burn decades-spanning epics, My Dearest Nemesis is a solid pick.
The production values are high for a rom-com, the leads’ chemistry pops off the screen, and it’s also a truly interesting glimpse into office politics, rivalry, and how past relationships continue to shape present ones.
If you prefer romantic comedy with strong chemistry and office vibes, you really should check out My Dearest Nemesis.
3. Way Back Love (2025)
Why you’ll like it…
- Starring Gong Myung and Kim Min‑ha (who gives a phenomenal performance), the story involves a young woman who is told she will die in a week when her childhood friend, and first love, appears as a grim-reaper-like figure.
- The drama perfectly blends a coming-of-age theme with romantic fantasy, and existential tones, which makes it more than a simple love story. Yes, the stakes are high and the emotional texture rich. But, boy, it delivers.
- Way Back Love was selected for the “On Screen” section of the 29th Busan International Film Festival, where it received a superbly positive reaction.
What to expect and why watch
This is a good pick if you want romance with a twist, ie: fantasy elements, high emotional stakes, and young-adult introspection.
The premise (“one week to live”) forces the characters into more emotional clarity, which leads to beautifully candid moments of connection and self-discovery.
The cinematography and aesthetic are also utterly gorgeous, so expect something that viscerally breathes on screen and then lingers long after you’ve finished watching it.
For romance and a bit of fantasy/existential stakes, Way Back Love is a fabulous choice.
4. Secret Relationships (2025)
Why you’ll like it…
- A BL (Boys’ Love) workplace romance starring Kim Jun‑seo, Cha Sun‑hyung and others, the Secret Relationships K-drama is based on a popular webtoon.
- The drama is short (just 8 episodes) but still tackles multiple romantic entanglements as the K-drama looks at the complicated relationship between Da-on and the three men surrounding him. All of whom make up a ‘love square’ that becomes more involved, but also more and more disturbing where two of the characters are concerned, as each episode drops.
- BL content is becoming more mainstream (thankfully so), and this series offers a polished, modern take on romance, identity, workplace dynamics and intimacy. The performances are also spectacular, especially from actors still so young, and both the writing and cinematography are stunning.
What to expect and why watch
If you’re open to or actively enjoy BL genre or romance that steps outside the more conventional heteronormative pairing, Secret Relationships is an excellent choice.
The shorter length also makes the series less of a time commitment, but you’ll still find quality in the lead performances and how the story handles love, confusion, power dynamics and self-discovery.
Great for diversifying your romance K-drama picks and, honestly, one you will still find yourself thinking about weeks after the last minute airs.
To explore modern BL / workplace romance, and maybe try something you might not normally have watched, I cannot recommend Secret Relationships enough. Especially as the performances are so, so, so spectacular.
5. Love for Love’s Sake (2025)
Why you’ll like it…
- A fantasy-romantic miniseries (8 episodes of 34 minutes each) starring Tae Vin, Cha Joo‑wan and others, that blends youthful romance with fantasy elements.
- Its appeal lies in condensed storytelling, fresher voices (a younger extremely talented cast,) and the fantasy twist which lifts it above ordinary rom-com fare.
- The fact that it’s on major platforms (Netflix and iQIYI +) also means its easy to find to watch, no matter where you live.
What to expect & why watch
This is a lighter, quicker romance to dive into if you don’t have time for something long.
The fantasy angle provides fun, as well as contrasts to the mainly heavier dramas above, and it may be especially appealing if you enjoy youthful love stories with a magical/other-worldly twist.
For a shorter, whimsical romance with fantasy flavor Love for Love’s Sake is awesome. The cast is great too.
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